Since now my almost dream mixer was announced I decided that my DIY project is obsolete, and before I move to the second part, I wanted to check if I’m not missing something that’s already out there:
I know that digitakt (and octatrack) could do that, but is there (portable) lower budget gear that can do midi automations/LFOs/Envelopes?
In software this should be no problem, a small screen to set them up, record them, map them. At maximum maybe trigger them by incoming midi (effectively midi side chain)… 1 encoder and a couple of buttons with a small oiled screen would be more then enough. Is there something, or is it specifically a feature I only find in daws and electron gear?
If there is nothing I’ll need to build an Arduino box for 50€ to do it. Seems the biggest problem there is keeping the clock in sync.
Ah that’s a nice one.
My plan currently was either an Arduino/RP Pico or if all hell breaks a teensy, an oled (128*64) 1-2 encoders and a couple buttons.
Midi in capability would be important (translation, conditional triggering, if there’s a sequencer to sequence sh101 style), but that would a later addition.
I also want something to translate sensor data into midi / CV. And since I thought that this is getting to big in scope I thought maybe there already is a readily available midi utility and I can focus on the sensor/CV solution… Seemingly no. I’m really confused, seems like a rather “easy” product, no expensive hardware (no fast or big storage, no expensive DA/AD/DSP needed, with the specification of midi a box sub 100€ that can do all that should easily be possible…
Thx for the link, when I start the project that one will be a great resource. I’m a bit shocked that the applications it mentions already bring the storage to its limit.
Na no iOS. I tried to find an android device, and only one was LK and that’s… God the UI is a Desaster. Everything is tiny. It wants to be Ableton on your phone, and crams so much into it, that the moment I try to use it I WANT to go back to a draw just to have a mouse and a bigger screen.
Haven’t found a workable alternative sadly.
What I DO on the phone is use “Midi Connect” to map midi ins and outs since the phone takes over the usb midi host, so that for example the model cycles can sequence the op-1.
You can get a DT1 right now for like 400 or less and you’ll get everything that you’re after plus about a million times more value and utility while expending zero effort. Just watch for a deal, prices are crazy low right now.
A Blokas Midihub? No screen but it’s highly configurable and could do what you want I think (plus it’s a nifty MIDI router/merger/thru/whatever). It has presets too so you can set up a few different setups. More expensive than an Arduino but probably a bit easier to work with
If you think constantly working with an arduino every time you want to do something is going to be conducive to a smooth workflow I think you’re mistaken. While digitakt is heavy in weight due to a metal chassis, it’s not at all bulky so unless your standard for size is a pico i think you would find it hardly takes up any space and that having a proper and singular UI and professional firmware is worth any inconvenience you may imagine. I’d keep a vigilant watch if you’re serious about finding a bargain, good prices sell fast which may be why you aren’t finding them.
Yeah, have seen that already. Tbh the sensing is the easy part, so didn’t worry to much about that.
Thanks for the link thou, could be a good resource für the actual implementation
That sounds awesome … Except no controls at all to change it when away from a pc and seems the software is not available on android there is a raspberry pi app… But at that point I just as well use the pi to do all of that. But awesome looking device, and I already see that loopop did a video for generative midi with it
In weight not so much (I only seen one in person this summer and was actually positively surprised compared to model cycles. It will replace that one when I get one for a good price)
It’s more: for a small utility device (don’t expect to do extensive programming/sequencing on it) it does seem more like a major piece, and it needs a proper power source (special cable, beefy power bank).
If the soft ware is kept simple enough with maybe 2 screens (mapping matrix and configuration screen per mapping( then I don’t see it being cumbersome… Or am I missing something? (Honest question, would for sure not want to invest time into a DIY solution just to have it be unusable)
In the vein of @shigginpit suggestion of a DT1 (maximum bang for buck), maybe buying an older iPad and running TouchOSC / Drambo / Midi designer etc would get you what you want and a whole lot more besides. You’re gonna be spending at least a couple of hundred plus many hours of build/test/config on custom DIY stuff anyway…
Arduino is still around, an old case that I can repurpose to. TRS connectors are 20-30 cents per pop, oled 12€. Encoders 2-4, buttons I have lying arround. At most it would be 60€ if I buy all new, so not sure where the hundred plus comes from.
Time investment on the other hand: yeah. That for sure, that’s why I was asking for ready solutions.
Just not so sure about iPad.
Drambo already looks overwhelmingly like a draw.
By the time I pack a 10 inch tablet and work with those touch controlled I might just pack my 13 inch laptop with ableton.
But I do se that touchOSC is available on android. I’ll check what that can do
(I’m not exclusive hardware/no screen, but I don’t want to far into the draw /Menü diving world, I realized the little menu diving and stuff in screen the better I work musically. I have that with my work, and don’t want it in my free time to much. If there are simply straight to the point tools like “midi connect”, then I am not against using those. And if touchOSC has those options while looking clean und reducedy then that is an option for me )
Ok fair - was a guesstimate and was also factoring in some for sensors etc too. Great that it actually works out so cheap!
Yeah I understand more about your wishes now so given how low cost it could be to DIY it does seem like a good option for your use case. There’s the older MidiGal unit that might fit the bill, and I think you can extend the functions by writing new firmware… No direct experience of this myself tho!
Ah, some basic sensors are actually cheap, others not so, but I won’t get around that point with any out of the box solution. The blokes midi hub looking into it would be so close in functionality… If it would have a small screen, encoder and 2-3 buttons just to configure/adjust on the fly.
Checked touchOSC, … No modulation at all it seems, just a scripting language with UI elements to build a custom controller. sadly.
And checked the portability options for DT… A special ripcord cable where the reception seem good but still that sounds like a somewhat janky solution, kinda thought with people talking about the portability of the Digi boxes that ther would be more options l for portable use . (But the modulation/midi options ARE great)
Ahh gutted - sorry to send you down the wrong path there! I remember installing it on my Android phone a long time ago and just thought it might have some modulation options (like the very old Lemur which runs OSC).
It does feel like there should be a solution for this out there that matches your requirements - my brain can’t quite find it, and I’m still thinking I’ve forgotten a good suggestion - if it returns to me I’ll let you know - good luck with your search!
(Then again, I would still need an Arduino box for the sensors/CVS later on.)
there is a raspberry pi app… But at that point I just as well use the pi to do all of that. But awesome looking device, and I already see that loopop did a video for generative midi with it 
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